Super Netball 2023 round one: Shimona Nelson stars for Collingwood Magpies

Jamaican import Shimona Nelson has starred for the Magpies as they claimed a comprehensive round one victory over the Swifts. Catch up with all the round one Super Netball.

Shimona Nelson had a day out for the Magpies against the Swifts. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Super Netball is back under way for 2023 with two games on Saturday evening.

Catch up with all the action from round one.

Magpies swoop to claim round one win over the Swifts

– Georgia Doyle

Hot off a Commonwealth Games silver medal, Jamaican import Shimona Nelson spearheaded the Collingwood Magpies to a comprehensive opening round victory in Suncorp Super Netball, beating NSW Swifts 71 to 63.

Nailing a perfect 53/53 goals, Nelson had ample opportunity at goal thanks to the defensive efforts of her compatriot and MVP Jodi-Ann Ward who was hauling in balls at every opportunity.

Jodi-Ann Ward (L) and Geva Mentor (R) had a strong defensive game for the Magpies. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

With four intercepts, seven deflections and four pick ups throughout the game, Ward forced changes in the Swifts attacking end, with legend Romelda Aiken-George spending some time on the bench.

With Nelson and Aiken-George fighting for the second goal shooter spot on the Jamaican World Cup team, Nelson’s showing against Australian goal keeper Sarah Klau will likely skyrocket her to the top of the list.

On the back foot from the first whistle, Swifts rotated through their entire bench before halftime desperately trying to stop the Collingwood onslaught. Despite having international players aplenty, nothing that head coach Briony Akle put on court was good enough to combat the dominant Magpies. A shining light was youngster Teigan O’Shannassy, injected during the second quarter with her height disrupting the aerial game that Collingwood had been playing with ease.

Despite her dominance at goal shooter for Australia across the international season, Magpie Sophie Garbin was pushed out to goal attack where she has historically struggled. With two early turnovers, she had trouble connecting with her teammates after missing a chunk of preseason through injury but once settled into the game she contributed 12/16 goals, including 6/7 super shots against her former side.

Sophie Garbin (L) finished with six super shots. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Collingwood head coach was quick to sing Garbin’s praises saying “Sophie was great for us at goal attack, there’s a lot of external noise about playing her at goal shooter but when you’ve got someone like Nelson putting in the game she did today [why would you shift her]. Sophie’s come a long way from Round 1 last year… and it’s great to see her shoot at range. We’ve done a lot of work in that space, and to see her get the rewards of that is pleasing to see”

While the Swifts were able to better match Collingwood in the second half, the damage was already done after an uncharacteristic slow start, leaving the Swifts in chase mode for the whole match.

ROMELDA RETURNS

Romela Aiken-George made her Suncorp Super Netball return following the birth of her first child last year.

While not a performance she will be adding to the highlight reel, her accuracy was an improvement to what we’ve seen in the past and she will be hoping to return to her former dominance over the coming weeks.

There were promising signs from Romelda Aiken-George on her Super Netball return. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

MAGPIES MID-COURT MAGIC

Magpies Kelsey Browne and Molly Jovic were running rings around Diamonds duo Paige Hadley and Maddy Proud in the mid-court.

Their speed and smarts left their opposition in the dust, giving them the time and space to find their shooters with ease.

MENTOR OF OLD

Entering her 21st season of elite netball, English international Geva Mentor showed why she has become a household name.

After a disappointing domestic and international campaign in 2022, Mentor means business in 2023.